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Tue, Jan 27, 2026

6:14pm EST

Members: 758

Guests: 8,804

Total Online: 9,562

These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

by Jay O'Toole

Rated: E · Book · Personal · #2172808

We live much of life amid unique choices. Joy is anchored in The One beyond our life.

“There are times when solitude is better than society, and silence is wiser than speech. We should be better Christians if we were more alone, waiting upon God, and gathering through meditation on His Word spiritual strength for labour in his service. We ought to muse upon the things of God, because we thus get the real nutriment out of them. . . . Why is it that some Christians, although they hear many sermons, make but slow advances in the divine life? Because they neglect their closets, and do not thoughtfully meditate on God's Word. They love the wheat, but they do not grind it; they would have the corn, but they will not go forth into the fields to gather it; the fruit hangs upon the tree, but they will not pluck it; the water flows at their feet, but they will not stoop to drink it. From such folly deliver us, O Lord. . . .”
― Charles Spurgeon

“Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.”
― C. H. Spurgeon

“Hope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.”
― Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.”
― Charles Spurgeon

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”
― Charles Spurgeon

“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.”
― Charles Spurgeon

“When your will is God's will, you will have your will.”
― Charles Spurgeon

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/2876959.Charles_Haddon_Spurgeon

(Philippians 2:13, KJV)

Here is yet another signature, that has been provided for me by my good friends, WS & GG.

Image for use by Honorable Mentions in the 2016 Quill Awards

Show Recent Comments

10 Most Recent Blog Comments:

Jay O'Toole

about 20 hours ago
In response to "Storytelling Without TELLING a Story"

Thank you, Just buddhangela

& Annette

. These are very encouraging words. I'm so grateful.

Jay

1 Like

Annette

about 20 hours ago
In response to "Storytelling Without TELLING a Story"

I think that a novel that deals with a major life change and then revolves around "now what" is very relatable.

1 Like

Lazy Writer est 4/24/2008

a day ago
In response to "Peaceful Christmas on Sunday (January 25th, 2026)"

Beautiful!

1 Like

Jay O'Toole

Jan 22, 2026 at 4:02pm
In response to "English Sonnet: "Planning Ahead""

Thank you so much for the encouragement, Mary Ann. "Among cyber friends," indeed, it is "good to be."

Mary Ann MCPhedran

Jan 22, 2026 at 12:52pm
In response to "English Sonnet: "Planning Ahead""

Lovely words and nice to see them written by you. Good to be among
cyber friends.

1 Like

Just buddhangela

Jan 22, 2026 at 10:53am
In response to "Storytelling Without TELLING a Story"

Hi Jay! First, if you're a wannabe and you're writing, then you're already a writer.

A piece of advice I've heard multiple times on WdC–and in Stephen King's On Writing–is that to be a good writer, you have to read a lot. Up until I joined WdC, I was a very slow reader and didn't read much or often. Maybe it was fear of failure (?) but I was reluctant to take that advice to heart. But with encouragement from participating in low-stakes challenges like "Rach's Reading Club"

and doing reviews on WdC, I found that reading a lot helped my writing immensely and in so many ways. I've also become a faster reader–never thought that would happen! Maybe you can find an author you really enjoy and try reading more of their work? Or if you're interested in a specific genre, pick a variety of random books and give them a shot and see if you get hooked. I know some people feel the need to read a book once they've begun it–I'm definitely not one of those people. Read what you enjoy, shop around, and maybe try genres you've never read before to find out if you're missing out on something that would inspire you.

So please know that you aren't alone, and not being a speed-reader isn't a bad thing–reading's just a muscle that needs to be exercised. I promise, the effort of reading, reading, reading will help.

We're all here to learn and practice our craft, and I haven't heard of any writer–high profile, newly published, or amateur wannabe

–who doesn't think their own writing sucks. (Well, except maybe Brandon Sanderson

2 Like

Jay O'Toole

Jan 11, 2026 at 11:36pm
In response to "Listing the Sounds"

Thank you, Dianne! That’s encouraging. 😃

1 Like

Lazy Writer est 4/24/2008

Jan 11, 2026 at 11:00pm
In response to "Listing the Sounds"

That made me cold! In my house! Good poem!
Keep writing
Dianne

1 Like

Silvern

Jan 10, 2026 at 5:21am
In response to "Where Is Stillness?"

This beautiful poem discusses finding stillness in a busy life through God's grace, celebrating Christ's victories, and writing poetries.

1 Like

Jay O'Toole

Jan 9, 2026 at 8:49pm
In response to "Where Is Stillness?"

You’re welcome. Thank you so much.

January 23, 2026 at 6:39pm

#1106618

Preparing for the Partially-Known

Though some may say, "It's really rather warm.
Why make us worried over what may not even happen?"
Long time ago, folks prepped us all for harm,
"Better to have it than in the need be taken."

Sufficient food can keep us 'live for days.
Sufficient water keeps each life for weeks.
Good pocket insulation, its warm ways
can keep us whole as "chilly fingers" seek.

How did they live before electric heat?
Can people live in arctic lasting cold?
Their wisdom is with body warmth to beat
the danger of the freezing temps so bold.

To stay alive in beds on frigid nights
some feet above the ground, they made a space.
The cold descends to cause us many plights.
The heat above can warm us with great grace.

'Tis kind to seek protection for our loves
in life on Earth, in lasting Day Beyond.
For peace we paint the picture of a dove.
For Hope believe we in Christ's Merits' Bond.

by Jay O’Toole
on January 23rd, 2026

Comment

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